I have a 1971 Olds Cutlass with a 350 motor. I pulled the radiator because it had a slow leak. I got a quote to have it recored and they wanted $360. I have since purchased and returned two radiators (one from Advanced Auto and one from Car Quest) in which one was too wide and the other would not fit because the cooling tanks were bigger than the original. Where can I get a new radiator that will fit like the original? Am I better off get the original recored for the $360? Seem like a lot of money.


Thanks, Ron.

 

My 71 Cutlass has the four core radiator from O'Reilly's Auto Parts. This radiator is much cheaper than what you quoted to fix yours, and is made by a company that has produced these products for years. I am in Texas, and even in temperatures over 100 degrees with a motor that has 10.5:1 compression, my car stays cool. Because it works so well, and will save you money $$, it's my recommendation.

 

I did a 455 swap and purchased a 4-core radiator from complete radiators (on evlbay) for $199 + 20 for shipping. It measures the same dimensions as my original radiator except for thickness (it is thicker than the stocker as it should be). The only difference I see is that the radiator cap is positioned differently than stock. (it is still in the corner but positioned horizontal rather than angled). Fit is not an issue. I would recommend them as the product is good and they shipped a second one after the first one was lost somewhere at UPS.

 

Ron B. in CT w'71 convertible?

 

Yes, Ron B. in CT with '71 convertible.
Thanks for all the feedback.
My radiator cap would not fit over the two radiators I purchased. Both were too wide measuring 3 1/2". My cap will hadle about 2 3/4" max

 

Bought my replacement from Fusik and size was pretty close but not exact. I also upgraded to a three row and I had to do some tweaking to make it fit. I think the price was in the mid $200's.

Check their replacement 2 row units. These might be the ticket to avoid all the fitment problems.

Drain petcock is not original (plastic), but cap placement was in original location and my cap fit fine.

 

I guess I forgot to mention that the radiator I purchased is a perfect fit. No issues anywhere.

 

Ron,
One of the radiators you bought was just wrong. The other was correct but was a heavier duty unit than your car came with. With a pin hole, you might try to fix it with some two part epoxy or JB weld. It could last for years.
Call me or e-mail. It's time for another summit.
Dan